London 2.

London 2.

The oldest historical building in London is the Tower. It was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. First it was a royal palace, then a prison, then for a short time a royal ZOO and a fortress. At present it is a museum. The Crown Jewels guarded by the Beefeaters in their traditional Tudor uniforms are kept here.

From the Tower there is a nice view of Tower Bridge which comes from the 19th century. It is one of the most famous symbols of London. It can open in the middle and let large ships go through.

Another interesting and well-known place in London is Trafalgar Square. It was named after Admiral Nelson’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s statue is situated on a high column. The square with its fountains is very popular place for various meetings and demonstrations. At Christmas time a big Christmas tree stands here and on New Year’s Eve people gather here at midnight, sing and dance.

In Trafalgar Square we can find the National Gallery. It houses paintings by nearly all the great European artists of the past and a large collection of British paintings and sculptures. The admission is still free.